African Youth Are the Rear Guard We Are Waiting for in Conservation Efforts

The 21-hour power cuts now affecting Zambia as Lake Kariba continues to dry up are just the beginning of a much larger domino effect driven by the impacts of climate change. Lake Kariba, once a vital source of hydroelectric power for millions across Zambia and Zimbabwe, is now a symbol of the vulnerability of our natural resources. Prolonged droughts and poor resource management are depleting this crucial water body, leaving communities to bear the brunt of energy shortages, economic instability, and disrupted livelihoods. 

Unfortunately, despite being the lowest emitter of greenhouse gases, Africa is the most vulnerable continent facing some of the most severe consequences of climate change. The continent contributes less than 4% to global emissions. Yet, it disproportionately bears the brunt of environmental degradation, manifesting in chronic droughts, unpredictable weather patterns, rising temperatures, and increased frequency of natural disasters. These climatic shifts disrupt agriculture, water availability, and food security, threatening the livelihoods of millions who depend on rain-fed farming and natural ecosystems. The most vulnerable populations, particularly in rural areas, are hardest hit, with women and children bearing the heaviest burden.

My generation had an overarching issue: everybody hugs their tree, and the forest is literally disappearing. Over the last two decades (1995 - 2015) Africa’s forest cover declined by 10 percent or 650,000 square kilometers, an area larger than South Sudan, 10 percent larger than Kenya, and almost three times the size of Uganda. It is readily apparent that there is an imperative to transform the conservation discourse into a constructive shared agenda. 

Economists have told us that the exploitation of natural resources is growth-oriented. But growth and development are not the same thing. Not all growth is development, and not all that grows leads to development. While poverty eradication and ecosystem protection might seem like contrasting issues, they are, in fact, interlinked. Poverty begets environmental degradation, but so does wealth if consumption and production are not sustainable. The ecological infrastructure of Africa, which provides goods and services that support economic development and a high quality of life, is being exploited unsustainably. If this development is not managed well, the future will not be very good. 

A picture of an emaciated cow and its calf walking by a village

The ecological infrastructure of Africa, which provides goods and services that support economic development and a high quality of life, is being exploited unsustainably. If this development is not managed well, the future will not be very good.

African youth, 70% of the continental population, you are the rear guard we are waiting for in conservation efforts. Your actions today will clearly impact the future of this continent and, indeed, the whole world since Africa has a third of the world’s biodiversity. The present Africa might not work for you, so you have to fix it. It’s your time to take charge, and you have the means to do it.

Your generation is the most educated that Africa has ever had. You have traveled more widely than your parents ever did, and the Internet has opened the world to you in ways that previous generations could not dream of. You are also the most innovative in the history of our continent. All together, these attributes have created a youthful force that cannot be stopped. With so much going for you, this is the perfect time to bring all your education, expertise, youthful energy and experience to shape Africa’s great future. You need to start this disruption of the way we plan and develop our continent.

I want to urge African youth to turn conventional wisdom on its head and challenge the mindset that has troubled our people: that conservation is a lie, it is for white people or foreigners, it is for people who love animals more than people, it is against economic development. People who have dedicated their lives and resources to ensuring that the degradation of the environment is put to a stop.

If African youth fail to address the root causes of these issues—unchecked environmental degradation and the escalating impacts of climate change—this current crisis, like Lake Kariba today, will only be the tip of the iceberg. What we are witnessing is part of a much broader, cascading effect: ecosystems are breaking down, and without immediate intervention, more critical natural resources will be stretched beyond their limits. The drying of rivers, deforestation, and declining biodiversity are warning signs of what’s to come if we do not take decisive action now. 

Remains of an Animal carcass

Enhanced conservation of our natural resources is not just important; it is essential for preventing further crises. Without urgent measures to restore ecosystems, embrace climate-smart strategies, and invest in sustainable energy alternatives, African communities will face more frequent and severe challenges. The energy shortages from Lake Kariba are just one piece of a giant puzzle where food security, water access, and economic livelihoods are all at risk on this continent.

This is a crucial moment for African youth to lead in addressing climate change at its core. It is not enough to manage the symptoms of these crises; we must tackle the root causes, such as deforestation, overreliance on vulnerable resources, unsustainable agricultural practices, poor development planning, governance systems, and leadership. The future of our continent—and indeed the world—depends on our ability to build resilience through stronger conservation efforts and smarter natural resource management.

To be a great conservationist is not to necessarily care about the animals first but to be selfish about preserving and rebuilding the natural architecture that will give you a good life. We must act now or face an escalating cycle of environmental and socio-economic disasters that will be harder to reverse with each passing year. The time for incremental steps is over. It's time for bold, transformative action to safeguard both people and the planet from the cascading effects of climate change.

Conservation is a journey fraught with many obstacles, including pessimism from cynics, but we must all soldier on because our future, especially if you are young, it literally depends on what we do today in taking care of the environment. The youth represent Africa’s greatest opportunity to safeguard its biodiversity and future, as both leaders and custodians.

Development and the protection of our ecosystems need not be mutually exclusive. African youth need to join the drive and spend more time explaining why animals and trees matter to Africa’s development and aspirations. 

The ball is in your court...